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I Think I Might Be Pregnant...

If you think you might be pregnant, a urine pregnancy test will confirm the pregnancy. Knowing when you had your last period together with a pelvic exam can determine how far along you are.

Missing your period or the timing of when you menstruate can be delayed for a variety of physical and emotional reasons. The most accurate time to do a pregnancy test is when your period is one week late-a test done before this can give a false negative result. If your home pregnancy test results are positive, be sure to make an appointment with your doctor right away. He or she may perform tests to verify your pregnancy and begin your prenatal care.

How does the pregnancy test work?

The pregnancy test mixes your urine with a chemical that detects the presence of the pregnancy hormone, human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) produced by the developing placenta. The test is about 97-99% accurate, and takes 5 minutes. The hormone is most concentrated in the first urine you pass in the morning and the test is not affected by using birth control pills, the patch or the ring.

What happens during my visit to an Opt clinic?

During your visit, after your pregnancy test, you'll be able to talk with a nurse to review your medical history, and if you're pregnant, find out how far along you are. If your test is negative, you can discuss birth control options while you're here and start a contraceptive method right away, or make an appointment to return to the clinic to get birth control.

What if I'm pregnant?

If you're pregnant, you will be able to talk confidentially to a counsellor about your plans and options. You can have a support person with you like your partner, a friend or your parents for this if you wish. The options are:

continue the pregnancy and become a parent

continue the pregnancy and adopt

stop the pregnancy by having an abortion

The nurse or counsellor will also be able to refer you to the services you need such as finding a midwife or doctor for prenatal care, adoption agencies or abortion services in your area.